Getting an online associate degree in business administration is a good start for those who want to work in entry-level administrative jobs. This degree helps students develop both practical work skills and academic knowledge. It’s also a stepping stone for those who might want to get a bachelor’s degree in business administration later. Speaking of affordable, a business associate is the go-to compared to a bachelor’s degree. Now, you will need to apply only with any of the best online business associate degree programs.
A business associate degree program is a field that offers good job prospects. While some employers might prefer candidates with a bachelor’s degree, many are happy to hire those with an associate degree.
When looking at business administration degrees, students often find two types: Associate of Science (AAS) and Associate of Art. Both are good for transferring to a 4-year college later. The Associate of Applied Science is more about getting a job right after graduation, focusing more on business classes and less on general education. But, if AAS graduates later want a bachelor’s degree, they might face some issues transferring all their credits, meaning they may need extra classes.
Best Online Business Associate Degree Programs
1. West Kentucky Community and Technical College
West Kentucky Community and Technical College has many programs, including an Associate in Arts degree, which is a pathway for students aiming to transfer to a university for continued education in fields like Elementary Education, Psychology, and Social Work. Additionally, they provide an Associate in Science degree for students looking to pursue further education in areas such as Biology, Engineering, Pre-Physical Therapy, Pre-Med, and Pre-Vet.
Since you are interested in business, their Business Administration program is particularly noteworthy. It prepares you for office settings and equips you with skills to solve business problems. This program is ideal for those picturing themselves in collaborative, problem-solving roles within business environments.
The college’s approach is comprehensive, offering not just academic knowledge but also practical skills relevant to the current job market. Their focus on hands-on training and real-world application makes their programs particularly valuable for students looking to make an immediate impact in their chosen fields.
West Kentucky Community and Technical College
2. Genesee Community College
Genesee Community College offers one of the best online business associate degree programs, which is a comprehensive program designed to provide a solid foundation in the world of business. This program is particularly beneficial for students aiming to understand the broad scope and role of business in our economic system. It covers essential areas such as basic management skills, accounting, principles of marketing and management, and aspects of business law, making it a well-rounded choice for those interested in the business field.
One of the key advantages of this program at Genesee Community College is the opportunity for seamless transfer to a four-year institution. The college is part of the SUNY network, which includes 64 colleges and universities.
This network allows students who complete their Associate Degree at GCC to easily transfer to a SUNY four-year institution to pursue a bachelor’s degree. The program aligns with the SUNY seamless transfer initiative, ensuring that the first two years of a bachelor’s degree completed at GCC are fully recognized and transferable.
Moreover, Genesee Community College has established transfer agreements with various institutions, including both SUNY colleges and private universities. This provides students with a wide range of options for continuing their education beyond the associate degree. Some of the institutions GCC has agreements with include Bryant & Stratton, Canisius College, Daemen College, Niagara University, Rochester Institute of Technology, and several SUNY colleges like Alfred State, Brockport, Buffalo State, and Geneseo.
Genesee Community College Business Administration Program
3. Eastern West Virginia Community and Technical College
Eastern West Virginia Community and Technical College offers a comprehensive online business associate degree program, which is part of its selection of five accredited, fully online academic programs. These programs are designed to provide students with maximum flexibility in earning college credits and degrees at an affordable tuition rate.
Among the five programs, three are specifically tailored for careers in business: Accounting, Administrative Support Technology, and Business Management. These career-prep degrees are ideal for students aiming to establish a foundation in business-related fields. Also, the college offers two other programs, Associate of Arts and Associate of Science, which are structured for students planning to complete two years of study before transferring to 4-year institutions for baccalaureate degrees.
The online business associate degree programs at Eastern West Virginia Community and Technical College stand out for their focus on providing practical, career-oriented education that is accessible and affordable. This approach ensures that students not only gain the necessary academic knowledge but also develop skills that are directly applicable to the business world. The flexibility of online learning allows students to balance their studies with other commitments, making it a viable option for a wide range of learners.
Eastern West Virginia Community and Technical College – Online Programs
4. Delgado Community College
Delgado Community College offers an Associate of Science Degree in Business Administration, designed as a preparatory program for students aiming to enroll in a four-year institution immediately after graduation. This program lays a solid foundation for majors such as accounting, business administration, management, or marketing at the baccalaureate level.
The program boasts full articulation agreements with several universities in Southeast Louisiana and online universities, including the University of New Orleans, Southern University New Orleans, Dillard University, University of Holy Cross, LSU-Alexandria, and Southern New Hampshire University. Delgado’s business programs are available in various formats, including on-campus, flexible online, and virtual live, with courses offered in 8-week and 16-week formats.
For students who have transferred from other schools, Delgado works to accept transfer or old credits. Additionally, for those less interested in continuing to a Bachelor’s program and seeking more career-focused business education, Delgado offers additional business programs in Accounting and Business and management.
The program is accredited by the Accreditation Council of Business Schools and Programs. It has been recognized for its excellence, being named the best in the Southeast and second in the nation by www.intelligent.com for two consecutive years. It’s also been highlighted as one of the most affordable online programs by OnlineU.org.
5. Central Maine Community College
Central Maine Community College (CMCC) offers a range of accredited online degree programs, including a focus on Business Administration and Management. These programs are designed to be flexible and affordable, catering to those looking to enhance their career prospects and earning potential. CMCC stands out for its commitment to providing education that fits into the busy schedules of its students, with the added advantage of having the lowest tuition in New England.
The online Business Associate Degree program at CMCC is a popular choice for students who are ready to advance their careers. This program is structured to provide a comprehensive understanding of business fundamentals, management principles, and the essential skills required in the business world. The flexibility of the online format allows students to balance their studies with personal and professional commitments, making it a practical option for many.
What Jobs Can I Get with an Associates Degree in Business Administration?
If you get an associate degree in business administration, you can apply for different kinds of jobs. For example, you might work as a sales manager, help out with projects as a project assistant, manage an office as an office manager, or support others in a specialist role. People who have this degree often look for these types of jobs:
- Event Planner
- Inside Sales Representative
- Office Manager
- Administrative Services Manager
- Assistant Director of Operations
- Auditing Clerk
- Marketing Manager
- Business Assistant
- General Office Administrator
- Human Resources Coordinator
- Operations Manager
- Procurement Coordinator
- Payroll Coordinator
- Information Clerk
- Media Sales Representative
- Inventory Manager
- Food Service Manager
- Project Assistant
- Administrative Assistant
- Retail Manager
- Office Support Specialist
- Sales Manager
- Executive Assistant
- Customer Service Supervisor
- Business Service Specialist
- Purchasing Manager
- General Office Clerk
- Assistant Manager
- Human Resources Administrative Assistant
Business Administration Associate Degree Jobs Salary
Graduates with an online associate degree in business administration are suited for managerial jobs in many sectors. The job a graduate chooses depends on their personal interests and career ambitions. Here are some common choices:
Administrative Services Manager
Administrative Services Managers work in companies’ administrative roles. They handle internal organization, manage supplies, keep records, and oversee facility management. Their median salary is $101,870, and their job market is expected to grow by 5%.
Sales Manager
Sales Managers usually work in businesses where sales are crucial. They manage other employees, help them stay organized, and provide tools to make their work smoother. They earn around $130,600 on average, and their job market is projected to grow by 4%.
Good Service Manager
Food Service Managers run restaurants or food-related businesses. They manage staff, keep track of inventory, and interact with the public to maintain excellent customer service. They earn a median salary of $61,310, but their job growth is currently at 0%.
Lodging Manager
Lodging Managers, also known as hospitality managers manage hotels, motels, inns, and similar places. They handle staff management, customer service issues, and company records. They earn about $61,910, and their job market is likely to grow by 7%.
Conclusion
When searching for the best online Business Associate degree programs, prioritize a school with proper accreditation. This is important because some degrees may require additional specific accreditations, like CSWE for social work. Choose a school with a substantial physical campus. This will help since there is a stigma around online education, and a larger campus might help counteract this perception.
Focus on schools that offer a flat rate for online tuition instead of charging higher out-of-state fees. If possible, avoid private, for-profit colleges—many people believe that they might not provide the best value or educational quality.
Read also: 16 Regionally Accredited Online Colleges with Low Tuition
